Merritt College Hosts Financial Literacy Workshop for Students

Merritt recognizes that many students are going through difficult financial times, so the college is working to support them in effectively managing and maximizing their resources. The Merritt community believes that it is our responsibility to put students first, not only by providing quality education but also by creating experiences for our students to develop and prosper in every aspect of their lives. To the end, on Tuesday, September 22, Merritt hosted its first Financial Literacy Workshop (offered in partnership with the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development.

The inaugural workshop was titled: How to Manage Debt: Student Loans and Maximizing the Use of Financial Aid. Over the next several weeks, we will offer three additional sessions:

• Financial Investments: stocks, bonds, digital cryptocurrency
• Money Management: bank accounts, credit cards, CDs
• Tax Management: personal tax preparation options, property tax, etc.

These workshops are open to all students throughout the District, so be on the lookout for the dates and times of our future presentations.

Merritt College Granted the Most Degrees!

Earlier this month, Peralta Community College District submitted its MIS Program Data for the 2021-22 Academic Year. With a grand total of 1,034 awards, Merritt College granted the most degrees and certificates in the District. Merritt students earned 427 AA/AS Degrees, 98 Associate Degrees for Transfer, 231 Certificates of Achievement, 268 Certificates of Proficiency, and 10 Non-Credit Awards. To account for more than 28% of the total degrees and certificates is truly a testament to the skill of our faculty, the support of classified professional staff members, and the fortitude of our students.

In Recognition:  Merritt College Alum Brandi Howard

Merritt is proud to recognize the success of one of its Alums: Ms. Brandi Howard. Last week, Ms. Howard was selected as the new President and CEO of the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF). Established in 1928, EBCF serves people across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. As the head of the foundation, Ms. Howard will lead their efforts to partner with donors, fundholders, social movements, and the wider community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all East Bay residents. Ms. Howard came to Merritt as a mother of three children, and as someone looking to make a transition after ten years in the workforce. She credits Dr. Siri Brown and the counseling faculty for building her up and inspiring her to do great things. She also shared that our English and African American Studies courses prepared her for future success, in that she learned to communicate clearly and think critically. After leaving Merritt College she transferred to UC Berkeley, where she earned a bachelor's degree in African American Studies, and a master’s degree in public policy. And now she is the chief executive of one of the nation’s oldest community foundations. Congratulations!!!

This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. David M. Johnson, Merritt College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. To view it as a pdf, click here.